Understand Your Childcare Options

Be Prepared to Make the Best Selection

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Clarifying the Differences Between Daycare, Childcare, and Preschool

Selecting the ideal early learning program for your child is a significant step. At Alma Mater Lyceum, we're here to guide you through the various options of daycare, childcare, and preschool. We'll help you find the perfect environment that nurtures your child's growth and development.

Where We Fall

lma Mater Lyceum Childcare and Learning Center is a leading early childhood education center situated in Kissimmee, FL. We provide a balanced approach that combines nurturing care with structured learning, promoting your child's overall development. Our commitment to excellence is evident in our focus not just on supervising children, but also on nurturing their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth within a supportive and enriching environment.

What Sets Us Apart

Enrolling Children 2 Months - 5 Years Old
Holistic Development
Qualified and Caring Staff
Safe and Stimulating Environment
Inclusive Programs
Healthy Meals and Snacks
Family-Centered Approach
Community Involvement

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Explore the Different Types of Early Learning Programs

Daycare Options

Overview
Daycare centers primarily provide care for children while their parents are at work, serving a wide age range from infants to school-aged children. Their main focus is on ensuring a safe and supervised environment where children can engage in basic activities, play, and socialize.

Features
Daycare centers often offer flexible hours to accommodate the schedules of working parents. They provide basic activities that promote social interaction and may include some structured routines, but their primary goal is to offer dependable care rather than a formal education.

Age Group
These centers typically cater to children from infancy up to about 5-6 years old.

Pros: Flexible Hours, Age-Inclusive, Affordable
Cons: Limited Individual Focus, Variable Quality, Less Educational Emphasis

Childcare Options

Overview
Childcare centers provide more comprehensive services than traditional daycare, offering both supervision and care alongside educational activities and developmental programs for different age groups. These centers often create a structured environment that balances care with early learning.

Features
These centers typically combine play-based learning with educational activities that support children's early development. Programs may include school readiness, with a focus on basic literacy, numeracy, cognitive skills, and sensory play. Some centers also offer extended hours to meet various family needs.

Age Group
Childcare centers usually cater to infants and early school-age children, generally from a few months old to about 6-7 years.

Pros: Safe Setting, Educational Emphasis, Qualified Educators
Cons: Costs Can Vary, Larger Groups, Limited Hour Flexibility

Preschool Options

Overview
Preschools are designed as educational settings to prepare children for kindergarten and formal schooling. They focus on structured learning through play and activities that enhance cognitive, social, and emotional development. Preschools typically introduce early literacy, numeracy, and other foundational skills through their curriculum.

Features
Preschools operate on a set schedule that often aligns with the school year calendar. They provide a more formal educational experience than daycare or childcare centers, with a structured curriculum and planned activities aimed at promoting learning and development.

Age Group
Preschools typically cater to children aged 3 to 5, just before they start kindergarten.

Pros: Follows Public School Calendar, Prepares for Kindergarten, Structured Routine
Cons: Limited Age Range, Shorter Daily Hours, May Be Expensive